Dermcare Malaseb Combo Pack has an excellent medicated dog shampoo and dog conditioner for skin infections. Malaseb is registered to treat Seborrhoeic Dermatitis and Dermatophytosis. Seborrhoeic Dermatitis is the scientific name for a skin infection involving bacteria (Staphylococcus) and yeast (Malassezia). Dermatophytosis is the scientific name for ringworm, a condition which is not due to worms (like the name suggests) but is in fact a fungal infection.

It is normal in dogs to have low numbers of resident bacteria and yeasts on the skins surface. When there is a disruption to the skin’s natural ecosystem these bacteria and yeasts can overgrow causing disease.

Reasons for disruption to the natural balance:

Allergy, including to pollens, grasses, foods (meats) and fleas.

Parasites, such as fleas, mites and lice.

Hormonal problems

Conformational problems such as deep skin folds, making sweaty crevices.

How does Malaseb help? This medicated dog shampoo:

Kills the micro-organisms, helping to keep the numbers of yeasts and bacteria at manageable levels.

Removes excess scale and oils, commonly produced when the skin is infected

Removes allergens such as pollens which can be caught in fur or on skin causing irritation

DERMATOPHYTOSIS or ‘Ringworm’

Ringworm is the most common fungal condition in cats, however it is also a well recognised problem in dogs and horses.

Malaseb will help to sterilise the coat of ringworm spores, helping to speed recovery and prevent spread of the disease.

Malaseb can be used alone or in combination with systemic medication (usually anti-fungal tablets) to treat ringworm. Combination therapy results in a faster cure than either alone.

Malaseb should be used twice weekly during ringworm treatment.

How often should I apply Malaseb?

In the case of seborrhoeic dermatitis, Malaseb should be used twice weekly when the infection is active. You may be able to reduce the frequency of bathing to once per week or fortnight once the infection is under control. In most circumstances long term therapy is needed as ‘curing’ the cause of the imbalance is not always possible.

In the case of ringworm, twice weekly bathing is recommended to clean the coat of spores and infection. Therapy is typically needed for 8 to 12 weeks.

HOT TIPS

Leave the shampoo on for the full 10 minutes wherever possible.

Always make sure the coat is thoroughly wet before applying Malaseb, this will make lathering and spreading easier.

Using a sponge can help to spread the shampoo well. The sponge also holds water which again helps to ensure the coat is adequately wet during application.

A damp cloth, with a little diluted foam can be used to clean the face.

What about conditioner?

In the case of seborrhoeic dermatitis in dogs it is recommended that after shampooing with Malaseb, Pyohex leave on conditioner be applied. This will help to achieve both the benefits of moisturising with higher antiseptic levels on the skin and coat along with an extended duration of activity.